While the traditional trappings of pomp and circumstance--and speeches from various dignitaries wishing graduates well as they enter the next stage of their personal and professional lives--will not be offered in quite the same format as in years past, TMCC’s commencement ceremony will honor the remarkable achievements of the classes of 2020 and 2021. The drive-through event, hosted this week at the Dandini Campus, will recognize graduates from each of TMCC’s five academic divisions. Even though the event is live, several officials, regents as well as former and current presidents of the Student Government Association offered their words of wisdom and encouragement on the commencement celebration website.
“The degree or certificate you’ve earned will open up opportunities for you...this is a pathway to a better life,” said Nevada System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Melody Rose. “Today the silver state and our community needs you, the graduating class of 2020 and 2021, more than ever. We need you to be the highly skilled workforce our state desperately needs...to be our next generation of leaders.”
Chancellor Rose was joined by Regent Cathy McAdoo who applauded graduates for overcoming incredible obstacles, including a pandemic. “In reaching this milestone, you’ve shown amazing strength of character. I invite you to view your commencement as a beginning,” said Regent McAdoo.
Commencement by the Numbers
Students in the Class of 2021 will participate in the ceremony, including those from Fall 2020, Spring 2021 and Summer 2021. These are candidates who earned:
- 23 bachelors degrees
- 1,382 associate degrees
- 196 certificates of achievement
- 17 degrees earned by dual-enrolled ACE High School students
- 43 degrees earned by dual-enrolled TMCC High School students
Additionally, the class of 2021 was a diverse group, which included the following attributes:
- 12 International students from: South Korea, Nigeria, Japan, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, and Qatar
- 187 Nevada Promise Scholars
- 9 Student-Athletes
- 102 Veteran students
- Our oldest graduate is 70 years old, who will receive an associate of general studies degree
- Our youngest candidate is 17 years old and will receive an associate of science degree
The Class of 2020 is also invited to participate in the festivities. As previously reported, the Class of 2020 earned a total of 2,547 degrees, certificates and skills certificates, including:
- 9 bachelors degrees
- 1,501 associates degrees
- 173 certificates of achievement
- 864 skills certificates
2021 As a New Beginning
Imelda Gonzalez Ojeda, who is graduating with dual associate degrees in Elementary Education and Human Development and Family Studies, is the 2021 recipient of the Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for Student Scholarship. She plans on continuing her education at UNR to earn a bachelor’s degree and licensure in elementary education. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, and I always just had a passion for learning,” she said.
But perhaps 2021 SGA President Alyssa Fromelius said it best in her speech to her fellow graduates. “This was no minor feat...the combination of Zoom fatigue and lack of social interaction made me feel like quitting at times. Yet, here we are...we did it, we made it through. Give yourself the space to acknowledge this achievement.”
Join us in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of these graduates by watching the live stream of the event, or by following us on social media.